Total deploys Health and Hygiene Guidelines to identify the Occupational illnesses and risks that might affect employees. We also implement occupational illness reporting systems across our units and continuously monitor the health of our employees.

Occupational illness tracking and reporting

Our Health, Safety and Environment network has tracked occupational illnesses since 2003. Covering all our subsidiaries worldwide, the survey aims to identify trends in occupational illnesses, understand the most widespread illnesses Group-wide, and improve techniques for preventing occupational health risks and develop related action plans.

• In 2006, 50% of the recorded illnesses were related to asbestos exposure in the past, while musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 40% of the total, followed by hearing problems.

Assessing workplace risk

Total applies Occupational Health and Hygiene Guidelines to safeguard against occupational risks. The guidelines define basic occupational health principles, helping to identify hazards and manage risks, using an iterative, dynamic evaluation method.

Workplace health risk identification and assessment method

An iterative, dynamic assessment process

Deployed in 2006 following a trial, the guidelines will eventually apply to 280 sites presenting the highest workplace risk, referred to as major sites.

An indicator to track compliance with the guidelines has been introduced. At end-2006, initial feedback from 123 major Total sites showed that 43% complied with the guidelines, with the following percentages by business:

• 44% for E&P.
• 33% for G&P and Chemicals.
• 76% for Refining.
• 39% for Marketing France.

These tracking figures will improve after another year of deploying the guidelines across all Total major sites. By 2008, over 50% should comply with the guidelines, rising to 75% by 2010.

Health care

Virtually all our large subsidiaries have their own health care organizations. In countries where our workforces are smaller, employee health care needs are met by outside providers selected by the Group to oversee employee health. More than 90% of our units provide regular preventive care for their employees, and in certain cases they offer a comprehensive checkup.

Physicians from the International Medical Department regularly audit local medical organizations in host countries to ensure that employees have access to the best medical care. Audits were conducted in 35 countries in 2006, including 13 in Africa. 

Health care ressources